Some companies proudly claim they “make mandatory training worthwhile.” Simple enough in theory—but in practice, not always. One organization delivered the same security briefing year after year, until employees became experts at inventing excuses to escape the monotony. My favorite? An employee who insisted he had to attend a funeral—only to have his boss remind him that his mother had passed away three years earlier. With the rise of computer-based training, some managers doubled down, forcing staff to slog through the same hours-long modules repeatedly, hoping that compliance boxes would check themselves. The result? A captive audience turned resentful, and the very people meant to be your eyes and ears against threats learned to dread, dismiss, and ultimately tune out the word security altogether.
Training should be fresh, new, and imaginative. One example was the creation of the ‘Personal and Family Protection Booklet.’ One security manager took the time to have a real booklet made to hand out to his clientele. In it, he covered not only office security but also residential, travel, and driving security as well. Under the invaluable ‘Personal and Family Protective Measures’ section were ideas including ‘Avoid publicity,’ ‘Do not place family name on home or vehicle,’ ‘Walk with assurance,’ and ‘Have a family emergency plan’ (here you can enlist your children to offer ideas on how to act in different emergencies: Agree on where to meet in case of fire, for example). Other ideas included reminding families to change locks if their keys are stolen, as well as to have a plan for what to do if their phone or wallet is taken.
For those living overseas, a common practice was to train their children on how to check vehicles for bombs. Another common practice was to assign one child as the ‘Operations Security’ checker. This idea involved a young one wandering the house each evening to ensure all was locked up, the lights were on outside, and nothing was in the trash that shouldn’t be (which could potentially identify those in the house). He could take that information to the home shredder!
Each segment of this booklet had dozens of tips listed for each category. Parents requested a copy for their kids to keep with them. With the advent of computers, whole new segments can be entered.
Some ideas remain consistently important to remember, especially in these days of routine governed by computers. In the late 20th century, an American
PROTECTIVE PRACTICES
General Dozier was kidnapped by the Red Brigades in Italy. He’d earlier refused to change his American appearance of a buzz cut flat-top hairstyle. He refused to change his daily running time and route in the Italian neighborhood in which he lived. One day, the Red Brigades snatched him off the street and threw him in a car. He was held for a long time. Large numbers of police and intelligence organizations sought him high and low. Thus, it is good to remind your employees to ‘blend in’ and avoid repetitive practices. It can not only protect you from crime, but also from terrorism, as well as your online presence. Never disclose your family’s activities, ages, locations, and photos if you can avoid it at all.
It is helpful to remember that terrorists are criminals. They, like common criminals, are limited in personnel and resources. For that reason, even the most rudimentary precautions and self-defense measures will make them think twice before selecting the prepared family. For a long time, there was an expression that said, ‘All you want is for your security plan to make the criminal or terrorist go down the street where the people aren’t as well prepared.’ Cold, but effective.
Nowadays, the FBI has identified China as the greatest espionage threat, while white supremacists are seen as the greatest domestic threat. We can all watch television and identify some of the common practices to be aware of. Ask those in your audience (yes, in-person briefings are always preferred) what they believe are some of the things they should look for in a crowd when practicing situational awareness. How about the person who places a bag in the middle of a crowd and leaves, which occurred before a recent bombing attack?
What if you see a person with a gun? Notify law enforcement if you see anything that causes you concern, especially in crowds. Just as with the little booklet, group involvement in any briefing is a plus. Ask those in your audience what they think is a good idea. Ask who in the audience practices family security meetings. All of these practices contribute to a safer and more secure life for your family, providing peace of mind.
